Sport

Gopperth reaches landmark match

JIMMY GOPPERTH will make his 100th appearance for Newcastle Falcons at Cross Keys in the British and Irish Cup tonight.

The two-time Aviva Premiership Golden Boot winner will lead his charges out knowing that victory over the Welsh outfit will secure a home quarter-final.

Falcons boss Dean Richards has rang the changes with six new faces coming into the starting XV including a debut for No.8 Ollie Stedman, who recently made the switch from National League One club Tynedale.

Andrew Higgins, Alex Crockett, Jamie Helleur and Ryan Shortland all come into a re-jigged backline with Gopperth and Warren Fury combining at half-back.

Experienced lock James Hudson gets the nod in the pack as the Falcons aim round off the British and Irish Cup pool stages with a flourish.

Richards said: “In some ways it’s nice to get a twoweek break as it gives you a chance to work on a few things that you might not usually be able to work on.

“We also have a few injuries and the break has given them the opportunity to get back.

“A home quarter-final would be nice and we’ve picked a team to go down there and win – we also want some continuity in the side.”